X-Factor #146

X-Factor #146, published in 1998, serves as a concluding chapter for the title’s second volume. Created during a transitional era for Marvel’s mutant-centric lines, the issue was written by Howard Mackie and illustrated by Jeff Matsuda. This period of X-Factor focused heavily on the fallout from the events involving the government-sanctioned team and the complex, often fractured interpersonal dynamics of the mutant cast as they navigated the late nineties political landscape within the Marvel Universe.

The creative direction for this era aimed to shift the tone toward a more grounded, sometimes darker exploration of superhero ethics, heavily influenced by the contemporary trends in comic book storytelling of the late nineties. Jeff Matsuda’s distinct, angular art style contributed to the aesthetic identity of the issue, emphasizing the frantic energy of the characters' final stand. Upon release, the issue was noted primarily by dedicated readers for its role in wrapping up long-standing subplots before the series underwent a significant hiatus and eventual relaunch.